Rugbydump’s Grant Constable joins the Pride

Monday, 19.Mar.2018

When Bhubesi Pride Foundation had barely been formed and not a single program had been run, Rugbydump’s founder Grant Constable learned of the charity’s intentions. Inspired, he helped to promote early content and videos, with many individuals made aware of BPF through his website and social media platforms. Grant has since become a Trustee of Bhubesi Pride Foundation and his interest in the charity’s great ambitions is growing, too.

This April, Grant heads to Malawi with cameraman Peteso Cannon to create a content-rich documentary featuring Bhubesi Pride Foundation’s work as a charity and its goals in Lilongwe.

BPF: When did you first hear about Bhubesi Pride Foundation and what was your first impression of the charity?

GC: “Roughly eight years ago, when founder Richard Bennett approached me via Rugbydump. Richard’s energy and passion was infectious, and the overall vision was something I felt we could help out with.”

Over the years, you’ve promoted aspects of the charity’s work through Rugbydump.com and have since joined the Board of Trustees. How have you seen Bhubesi Pride Foundation grow and develop?

“The growth has been fantastic to witness. From successful dealings with large corporates to the latest ambitious project of building a clubhouse and community centre in Malawi, the momentum has never stopped.

Through astute planning and clinical precision, it’s now a well-oiled machine that continues to deliver on the initial goals it first set out to achieve all those years back. It’s not been easy, with a number of challenges along the way, but I believe that the charity is now in a really good place and has the foundations and personnel required to execute and evolve as needed.”

What makes you proud about being so connected to a rugby charity in Africa?

“Coming from [South] Africa myself, it’s great to be able to do my little bit to help out where possible. With thousands of children having benefitted from the charity’s work over the years, it’s a great opportunity to make a difference and one I’m honoured to be a part of.”

What do you hope to understand about BPF when you visit Malawi this April?

“I’m looking forward to seeing first-hand how the volunteers (‘Pride members’), from many different countries around the world, come together to work with local children and communities.”

What’s the plan for the documentary you’re making?

“We will be on the ground in Lilongwe for ten days, with the sole purpose of documenting what Bhubesi Pride Foundation does. Essentially, we aim to tell the stories of those involved by capturing how rugby can be used as a vehicle for positive, sustainable change in places where most children may have never had the opportunity to experience it.”

How do you want your documentary to inspire others?

“We would love to create an enjoyable piece of content that sheds light on the fantastic work being done, inspiring further involvement from a greater number of individuals around the globe. That could come in the form of new volunteers, donations, corporate partnerships or even just by changing the perception of an area of the world that some rugby fans may at this point know nothing about.”